The Cerium is a top pick for alpine climbers and backpackers, offering a great warmth-to-weight ratio and durable fabric. It also comes with a compression pouch so it can easily fit into your pack when not in use.

This jacket features zippered pockets, elastic cuffs, and an adjustable hood. However, it is not water-resistant and will need a raincoat in heavy precipitation.

Mountain Hardwear Ventano Hoodie

For an active hooded puffer jacket that handles hard-wearing adventures, look no further than the Ventano Hoodie from Mountain Hardwear. This jacket is blown-filled with small, silky recycled polyester tufts that collectively form a loft that better replicates the lightweight warmth, softness and compressibility of natural down than synthetic sheet insulation, while still providing the warmth-when-wet protection you need for alpine missions. Plus, the jacket packs down into its own hand pocket for easy stowing in your pack.

Norwegian outdoor clothing brand Norrona may fly under the radar stateside, but their Thermo60 insulated hoodie is a standout for serious alpinists. The jacket is a great companion for backpacking trips around the Pacific Northwest and cragging expeditions in variable alpine conditions, with windproof and water-resistant protection that’ll hold up when the weather turns ugly. Plus, the jacket’s PrimaLoft Silver Luxe fill is a warm-when-wet alternative to goose down and the 20-denier shell fabric is tough enough for serious outdoor use.

Outerknown OK Mono Puffer

This jacket packs small and light, so it's a good choice for backpacking and three-season hiking. The hydrophobic 700-fill goose down traps heat even when wet, and the 30-denier Pertex Quantum ripstop shell sheds rain. The jacket is also fairly eco-friendly, with recycled insulation and a PFC-free DWR on the shell fabric.

It's available in sizes XXS to 3XL and comes in regular, petite, tall, and plus. It has a hood, cinched waist, and side seam pockets, so you can choose whether to wear it zipped up or down depending on the weather.

Its oversized hood and stand-up collar help block cold wind and snow, and the Responsible Down Standard certification safeguards the welfare of geese and ducks that supply the down. Its waterproof outer shell and heavy-duty 700-down fill protect you from freezing weather on fast winter missions, while a sleeve pocket and a snap closure at the hem make this jacket ideal for layering. It's also available in red or black and is currently on sale for $150. You can purchase it from Amazon or the company's own website.

Patagonia Cotton Jacket

Patagonia is a leader in sustainability, and this hooded puffy uses their earth-friendly PlumaFill insulation. It also features a durable ripstop nylon shell that’s made from 100% postconsumer recycled polyester. You can find this earth-friendly jacket at Patagonia and DICK’S Sporting Goods, where you’ll also discover a wide selection of outdoor gear and apparel from other brands that focus on responsible sourcing and production.

This jacket is a Goldilocks offering with its perfect blend of warmth, wind resistance and light weight. However, its baffles aren’t as effective at shedding moisture as more technical shell fabrics like the Arc’teryx Cerium down jacket. This leaves it best as a belay jacket or as an evening layer around camp or while walking into town. A more backcountry-focused option would be the Rab Xenon 2.0, which is warmer and lighter for frigid uphill pursuits thanks to well-placed fleece panels. The women’s Silent Down Shirt Jacket is similarly warm, but has a utilitarian look with buttoned flaps over the main zipper and hand pockets and no hood. It also weighs a bit less at 1 pound 5.2 ounces for a medium.

Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoodie

Plush and rugged don’t often go together in backpacking gear, but the Cerium Down Hoodie pulls off both feats with ease. The jacket combines high-quality 850-fill down with Coreloft synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas, including the collar, shoulders, and cuffs. This combo prevents the down from clumping up and losing its insulating capability when wet. For the most diehard of ounce counters, there’s an ultralight UL version with even more loft and an equally thin shell fabric.

The large StormHood is a nice addition to this jacket, cinchable with a single, glove-friendly drawcord and tightening evenly around the head. Arc’teryx also opted to use recycled nylon and bluesign-approved materials in the shell, as well as dope dye, a process that consumes less water and energy than standard dying methods.

The insulated sleeves and waist cinch are also adjustable to seal in drafts and keep warmth where you need it, while the two zippered hand pockets provide ample storage. The Cerium has a DWR finish to repel light snowfall and rain, though you’ll still want a waterproof jacket if you plan to venture into heavy precipitation.

The North Face Retro Nuptse

The North Face Retro Nuptse is a must-have for anyone who loves to get outdoors in cold weather. It combines retro aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, including an innovative baffle design that efficiently distributes goose down for superior warmth and comfort. It’s also available in a variety of styles and sizes, from children’s to men’s, so everyone can enjoy this iconic puffer jacket.

The original 1996 version of the Nuptse is an icon of the San Francisco-based brand, and it’s even been featured in a Supreme x The North Face By Any Means Necessary collaboration. Its boxy silhouette and original shiny ripstop fabric are instantly recognizable, and the oversize baffles and stowable hood will keep you warm during winter adventures or just walking around town.

The long puffer jacket women is a must-have for any outdoor lover, and it’s an excellent choice for Gorpcore fans. It’s warm and comfortable enough to wear while hiking, skiing or biking, and it packs down easily into its own zippered pocket. It’s also available in tall sizes, so you can be sure to find the perfect fit.

Conclusion

Finding the best hooded puffer jacket is made easier with the variety of options available both online and in-store. Whether you prioritize performance, style, or both, there's a perfect jacket out there waiting for you. Explore the diverse range of retailers mentioned above to discover the ideal hooded puffer jacket that suits your preferences and needs. Stay warm, stay stylish, and enjoy the winter season to the fullest!